Question

The theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods are very different, but many researchers believe both methods should be used in the research study to increase validity and reliability. What advantages or disadvantages do you see in using both types of methods in a nursing study? Support your answer with current evidence-based literature.

Answer 1

qualitative research is an exploratory research method used to acquire an understanding of causes, opinions and motivations.It deeply studies the problems and develops ideas or hypothesis for potential quantitative research.the techniques used to collect data may be structured or semi-structured.samples may be selective and small.

whereas, quantitative research is to quantify the problem with numerical data, used to quantify attitudes, opinion, behaviours and other variables from the large sample population.structured techniques are used to collect data like surveys, interviews, internet polls and systemic observations.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF QUALITATIVE RESEARCH STUDY

advantages

• useful for the researcher who is doubtful about what will be studied or what to focus on
• no need to develop a strict design plan before the beginning of research
• more naturalistic
• researcher gets detailed and comprehensive written evidence or other forms of visual evidence.
• focus on social context

disadvantages

• researcher only gets subjective viewpoints
• researcher interpret only by his/her biased view
• time-consuming

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF QUANTITATIVE STUDY

advantages

• allows the researcher to analyze the data
• detailed study of the dependent and independent variable.
• more objective findings
• used to test the hypothesis

disadvantages

• not consider the context of the study
• a large sample of population must be studied for more accurate data